Make super crispy breaded tofu sticks with just 5 base ingredients and a pan, oven, or air fryer. Delicious, versatile, and easy to make gluten-free and adapt with your seasoning and coating of choice!
Drain and press the tofu and cut the block into strips the size and length of a finger.
In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, water, and soy sauce and whisk thoroughly with a fork.
Pour breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and salt onto a plate and mix thoroughly.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Dip the tofu strips into the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated and immediately press into the breadcrumbs until all sides of the tofu are completely covered.
Once the oil is hot, lay the tofu on the pan and cook until it turns golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve with bbq sauce.
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Notes
Make sure to properly press the tofu to remove as much liquid as possible. This will ensure you get the most crispy results. It's important to use extra-firm tofu as this recipe won't achieve the desired crispiness with other types. Air fried breaded tofu: Slice the tofu to your desired shape (strips vs. cubes), season, and coat. Then spray with an oil spray and cook in a single layer with space in between for 12-15 minutes at 400F/200C, shaking after 8 minutes.Cubes will cook in 10-12 minutes generally. Whereas strips take closer to 15-17 minutes.Baked breaded tofu: Follow steps 1-5 (skipping step 4), spread the tofu across a baking sheet, spray with a bit of oil, then bake at 400F/200C for 40-45 minutes (closer to 30 for small cubes). Flip halfway and spray the top with a little more oil. Enjoy the baked crispy tofu while it’s still warm – delicious!